Craftmark visit to Lapua, Finland!

Craftmark visit to Finland, Oct 2008

Sarah, Terry, Collette, Cathy, Ciara, Garrett, Janice, Mia & Liz

Nine of us headed off bleary-eyed, very early on Oct 1st.  And it was just great, so first of all, a big thank you to Sarah, Ciara & Collette at Craftmark who did the organising and of course thank you to Sanna who looked after us so well when in Finland.  Sanna is craft development officer in Lapua, the region we visited.  And with just pride she brought us to the various Taito workshops and gallery shops, and we were welcomed so warmly. 

 We visited a felting workshop, two ceramic workshops, a bell foundry, a jewellery designer, a photographer (where we has a delicious lunch) and they were all great.  But as a ‘textiley’ person, the highlight for me was our visit to Lapuan Kankurit Oy . ‘Naturally Linen’ is their tag line and that truely says it all.  They design and weave home textiles in natural fibres and their jacquard linens are amazing.  It is a small family run factory, and they work hard to maintain this traditional Finnish business.  It really is a gem, and it made me think of how, sadly, one by one our similar Irish industries have succumbed to the plague of ‘outsourcing’ for cheaper production. Jaana Jaskari and Esko Hjelt, owners of Lapuan Kankurit Oy run a very special business, their hearts and souls are in it and it shows.  A very special thank you to them both. And here is a glimpse at one of their designs being woven on the high speed jacquard looms….

Sauna Textiles designed by Marja Rautianen

 

   And of course there were the demonstrations!!

Collette & I demonstrated at the Knitting Cafe on the Thursday evening. And was I glad to have my laptop to show my looms at Swallow Studios, I was kinda struggling with the little demonstration loom and if you were there you will know that is an understatement!!  Collette’s felting was certainly a success and very colourful.  And on the Saturday we all did a spot at the big craft fair in the sports arena in Seinajoki, all very ‘Madonnalike’ with our microphones, but it was fun and I hope all the Finnish people who came to see us enjoyed it too.  Sanna translated and I have some pics, but unfortunately not of everyone, as I was  behind the scenes for a while setting up the loom.  But here is a few and if you have any more, fellow travellers, please do post ..

Cathy Prendergast hand cuts leather bag

 

Garrett Mallon demonstrates piercing

Janice Gilmore shows her design before embroidering

Terry O'Brien, wood carver

Liz Christy demonstrates on loom and Sanna translates

 

Please do tell about what your favourite part of the trip…